The Meaning of Pluralism, Types, and Its Impact on Life

Kapanlagi.com - Living in a country that has such a diverse society can bring positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts can be obtained if every citizen can truly understand the meaning of pluralism. If not, negative impacts will arise due to the many differences that exist.

The differences referred to are related to ethnicity, religion, race, and intergroup relations in Indonesia. However, if the community truly wants to understand the meaning of pluralism as a condition of a diverse society, both socially and politically, security and prosperity will be created in life.

Therefore, as one of the citizens of Indonesia, it is important for you to understand the meaning of pluralism. Here is information that summarizes the material on the various types of pluralism, along with their positive and negative impacts.

1. The Meaning of Pluralism

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The meaning of pluralism needs to be understood by everyone, especially in a diverse society like Indonesia. According to the Great Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), pluralism is the condition of a diverse society (related to its social and political system). Diverse itself can be understood as a country consisting of several parts that are a unity.

As a country with diversity, Indonesia has the motto Bhineka Tunggal Ika which means even though we are different, we are still one. Pluralism will arise when there are cultural differences in a group or region. In other words, pluralism is the condition of a society that tries to appreciate differences and allows other groups to maintain their culture.

Socially, the meaning of pluralism is a belief that is able to accept diversity and behave respectfully in interacting with groups or individuals who have cultural differences.

2. Getting to Know the Types of Pluralism

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After understanding the meaning of pluralism as explained above, you also need to learn about the various types of pluralism. You can find this information in the following:

1. Pluralism in Ethnicity

Indonesia has more than 300 ethnic groups. These groups are spread across various provinces in Indonesia. Some of them are Javanese, Sundanese, Batak, Gayo, and many others. The diversity of ethnicity can be a strength and wealth for Indonesia. This means that these differences should not be seen as a problem, but rather something to be proud of.

2. Pluralism in Religion

The first principle of Pancasila as the foundation of the Indonesian state requires all citizens to embrace one religion. Indonesia has six recognized religions, namely Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Catholicism, and Confucianism. These religions have their own places of worship, values, and traditions. The differences should be acknowledged by every individual. Therefore, tolerance or mutual respect is needed to create a safe and comfortable religious life.

3. Pluralism in Culture

The meaning of pluralism also needs to be understood by everyone in terms of cultural differences. Misunderstanding of cultural differences is often the main reason for conflicts in various parts of the world, including Indonesia. The trigger for these conflicts usually arises from a sense of competition, even there is an egocentric attitude that considers the embraced ethnicity as the best. Therefore, cultural differences also need to be understood as a wealth and every individual needs to view them equally.

4. Pluralism in Education

Knowledge is an important thing that must be obtained by all people. However, in reality, many people have not received proper education. This problem causes different views according to their level of education.

Different levels of education should not create a problem. Instead, it can be used to unite the nation. Development and growth in science should not make one individual feel superior and entitled to decide the truth.

3. Negative Impacts If Society Does Not Understand Pluralism

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Understanding the meaning of pluralism is very important for Indonesian society. If not, there will be negative impacts that arise. Some of them can be understood in the following explanation:

1. Can cause conflict

This conflict arises because some parties cannot accept or do not have tolerance towards differences in beliefs. One example is the conflict that occurs between religious communities.

2. Emergence of individualism

Individualism will make someone want to fulfill their own desires. People like this cannot accept intervention from others. Individualistic people will prioritize their own interests.

3. Competition within groups

The diversity of ethnicity, race, religion, and customs in Indonesia can lead to competition in society. Usually, this is triggered by a desire to gain recognition as the correct group.

4. Positive Impacts of Pluralism

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1. Becoming a Tourist Attraction

Unique cultural diversity can be a special attraction for foreign tourists. These differences can become a characteristic that foreign countries can recognize.

2. Modern Society Conditions

If every layer of society understands pluralism well and realizes differences, this attitude will help society to think forward and modern.

3. Can Increase State Income

These differences can be developed from various sources so that they can add to the country's income. One of them is the development of the tourism sector. Domestic communities can get to know other cultures and foreign tourists can introduce these cultures internationally.

Well, that's the meaning of pluralism that you can learn. Trying to understand and respect diversity will bring a sense of security and prosperity in life.

(kpl/gen/ans)